Wondering where to stay in Kyoto? Two areas stand out from the rest: the ultra-convenient Kyoto Station area and the lively downtown hub around Shijo-Karasuma.
Your best choice depends on your travel style. Stay near Kyoto Station if you want easy transport links and plan to take day trips.
Pick downtown if you prefer being surrounded by restaurants, shopping, and traditional culture. I’ll share the best hotels in each area to save you hours of research. 😊
1. Staying Near Kyoto Station
a. Location & Transport Benefits
- Direct 75-minute express train (JR Haruka) from Kansai Airport
- Alternative 90-minute Airport Limousine Bus option
- Perfect base for day trips: Osaka (30 mins), Nara (40 mins), Kobe (1 hour)
- Ideal starting point for northern Kyoto attractions (Miyama Town, Amanohashidate, Ine)
- Central hub for city buses, subways, and trains to all major attractions
- Easy access to JR lines for exploring wider Kansai region
- Quick connections to sightseeing buses and hop-on-hop-off tours
b. Shopping & Daily Convenience
i. Major shopping destinations at your doorstep
- JR Kyoto Isetan: Located inside the station building, offering fashion, cosmetics, and a gourmet food hall.
- Porta Underground Mall: Connected directly to the station underground, featuring numerous fashion stores, accessories shops, and casual dining spots.
- Aeon Mall: A short walk from the station, housing international brands like Zara and Uniqlo, along with Japanese retailers and various dining options.
- Kyoto Avanti: Situated south of the station, this modern complex includes fashion stores, bookstores, and multiple restaurants.
ii. Vast dining options from budget to luxury
- Local Japanese cuisine
- International restaurants
- Food courts in shopping malls
- Famous Kyoto Ramen Street
c. Things to Consider
i. Location trade-offs
- 15-30 minutes by bus/train to major temples and shrines
- Not within walking distance to Gion or traditional areas
- Modern atmosphere rather than historic Kyoto charm
ii. Practical considerations
- Higher hotel rates compared to other areas
- Can be crowded during rush hours
- Station area noise, especially during daytime
- Limited traditional nightlife options
- Fewer local neighborhood experiences
iii. Best suited for
- First-time visitors to Kyoto
- Travelers planning multiple day trips
- Those prioritizing convenience over traditional atmosphere
- Business travelers
- Visitors with late arrivals or early departures
d. Recommended Hotels
If you plan to stay around Kyoto Station, aim for a hotel nearby to save time and avoid the hassle of pulling your luggage long distances.
Ideally, pick a hotel within the highlighted zone in the picture above for maximum convenience.
1. Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Ekimae PREMIER (Agoda | Booking.com)
- Located just a 3–4 minute walk from JR Kyoto Station’s Central Exit, making it easy if you’re carrying luggage.
- Easily accessible from Kansai International Airport by the JR Haruka Express train (about 75 minutes) or airport bus (around 90 minutes).
- A taxi stand is right beside the hotel, handy for quick trips or late-night returns.
- Rooms are modern and comfortable, mostly Western-style, ranging in size from around 18 m² up to spacious options of 24 to 40 m².
- Beds are large and comfy, though slightly firm, typical in Japanese hotels, ensuring you a good night’s sleep.
- Bathrooms are clean and spacious, with separate bath and toilet areas. They feature deep bathtubs and rainfall showers, perfect for relaxing after sightseeing.
- 24-hour self-service coin laundry machines with automatic detergent are available, convenient for freshening up your clothes during your stay.
- A FamilyMart convenience store is less than a 2-minute walk away, and Lawson is also close by.
- I stayed there and found the hotel very convenient, comfortable, and ideal for exploring Kyoto. Highly recommended for your trip!
2. TUNE STAY KYOTO (Agoda | Booking.com)
- Located just 7 minutes on foot from JR Kyoto Station’s Central Exit
- Features a unique “staying library” concept with 2,000-3,000 Kyoto-related books
- Offers 24-hour front desk service
- Perfect for literature lovers and those interested in Kyoto’s culture
3. Richmond Hotel Premier Kyoto Ekimae (Agoda | Booking.com)
- Conveniently located 5 minutes’ walk from JR Kyoto Station’s Central Exit
- Serves both Japanese and Western-style buffet breakfast
- Showcases traditional Japanese aesthetics with a seasonal garden and traditionally patterned halls
4. Hotel Hokke Club Kyoto (Agoda | Booking.com)
- Prime location directly opposite JR Kyoto Station’s Central Exit, across from the bus terminal
- Exceptional accessibility for travelers using public transportation
- Convenient laundry facilities on the 4th floor:
- Washing machines: 400 yen per load (detergent included)
- Dryers: 100 yen per 30 minutes
5. Natural Hot Spring Dormy Inn Premium Kyoto Ekimae (Agoda | Booking.com)
- 5 minutes’ walk from JR Kyoto Station’s Central Exit
- Features a spectacular rooftop natural hot spring spa
- Complimentary washing machines and coin-operated dryers available
6. Hotel Granvia Kyoto (Agoda | Booking.com)
- Located directly above Kyoto Station for ultimate convenience
- Features spacious rooms decorated in elegant, calming earth tones
- Many rooms offer beautiful views of Kyoto Tower and the city skyline
2. Staying Near Shijo Station and Karasuma Station
a. Location & Transport Benefits
- Perfect transport hub – Shijo and Karasuma stations are just 2 minutes away
- Easy access to most Kyoto attractions via subway, bus, or train
- Quick 10-15 minute walk to historic Gion district
- Central position means less time commuting, more time exploring
- Simple connection to Osaka via Hankyu-Kyoto Line in about 50 minutes
- Traditional architecture all around
- Local festivals and events often held nearby
b. Shopping & Daily Convenience
i. Surrounded by major department stores
- Takashimaya (at Shijo-Kawaramachi intersection)
- Daimaru (near Shijo-Karasuma intersection)
- Fujii Daimaru (on Shijo Street, popular with young shoppers)
ii. Easy access to famous shopping areas
- Teramachi and Shinkyogoku shopping arcades
- Nishiki Market (“Kyoto’s Kitchen”)
iii. Food Scene
- Countless traditional Japanese restaurants, especially along Pontocho’s scenic alley
- Abundant dining options from budget to high-end
- Lots of cafes and coffee shops
- Easy to find restaurants open late
iv. Shopping and Entertainment
- Major shopping arcades in all directions
- Vibrant nightlife and entertainment venues
- Plenty of convenience stores and everyday amenities
- Traditional tea houses within walking distance
- Mix of modern and traditional shopping experiences
c. Things to Consider
i. Location trade-offs
- Busy area – streets can get crowded, especially during peak season
- Modern atmosphere – less traditional feel than Gion
- Higher noise levels from traffic and nightlife
ii. Practical considerations
- Airport transfer takes time – requires JR Haruka Express to Kyoto Station, then Karasuma Subway Line to Shijo Station
- Restaurant prices generally a bit higher due to central location
iii. Best suited for
- First-time visitors who want convenient transport access
- Shopping enthusiasts
- Those who enjoy a lively atmosphere
d. Recommended Hotels
If you plan to stay in downtown Kyoto, try to choose a hotel near Shijo Station or Karasuma Station.
This location is ideal because you can take the Hankyu-Kyoto Line directly between Osaka-Umeda Station and Karasuma Station without transfers—super convenient!
Plus, if you’re coming from Kansai Airport, just take the JR Haruka Express to Kyoto Station and transfer to the Karasuma Subway Line for a quick ride to Shijo Station. This is the easiest and best route.
For maximum convenience, look for a hotel within the highlighted zone in the picture above.
1. Hotel Forza Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi (Agoda | Booking.com)
- Located right in Kyoto’s lively shopping and dining area, near Nishiki Market and Teramachi shopping arcade, perfect for exploring the city.
- 7 minutes’ walk from Shijo Subway Station (Karasuma Line) and Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station (Hankyu Line).
- Just 5 minutes’ walk from Karasuma Station, offering direct trains to Osaka-Umeda Station without transfers, ideal for traveling between Kyoto and Osaka.
- Directly connected to the hotel through an underground walkway at Exit 11, handy during rainy weather.
- Kansai International Airport is about 1 hour 40 minutes away by JR Haruka Express train to Kyoto Station, followed by a short subway ride to Shijo Station, or a 10–15 minute taxi ride from Kyoto Station.
- Bus stops near the hotel provide easy access to popular attractions like Kiyomizu-dera and Kinkaku-ji.
- Taxis are readily available along nearby Shijo Street, convenient for quick trips around town.
- Modern, comfortable, Western-style rooms with cozy beds. Standard rooms are compact (about 18 m²) but efficiently organized. Larger twin, triple, or family rooms are available.
- Bathrooms feature separate toilet and shower areas, great when sharing the room.
- FamilyMart right next to the hotel and a 7-Eleven across the street, both open 24 hours for snacks, drinks, toiletries, and quick meals.
- Coin laundry machines are available in the hotel, with detergent included, and you can conveniently check laundry status from your phone using a provided QR code.
- If hotel laundry machines are busy, GuruLaundry nearby offers additional machines with phone status checks, making laundry easy and convenient.
- I stayed at this hotel myself and found the area lively and vibrant, with plenty of shops, restaurants, and convenience stores just steps away.
2. Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto Shijo Karasuma (Agoda | Booking.com)
- 2 minutes’ walk from Karasuma Subway Line (Shijo Station Exit 4)
- 2 minutes’ walk from Hankyu Kyoto Line (Karasuma Station Exit 23)
- 15 minutes’ walk to Gion district along scenic Kamogawa River
- Simple and stylish room design
- All rooms feature premium Serta beds for superior comfort
3. Hotel M’s Est Shijo Karasuma (Agoda | Booking.com)
- 1 minute’s walk from Karasuma Subway Line (Karasuma Station Exit 19)
- 3 minutes’ walk from Hankyu Kyoto Line (Shijo Station Exit 1)
- 5 minutes’ walk to Nishiki Market
- 8 minutes’ walk to Teramachi Kyogoku Shopping Street
- 10 minutes’ walk to Gion
- Close to Shijo Kawaramachi’s department stores and restaurants
- Features custom-designed “Maro” beds by Simmons for exceptional comfort
4. Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shijo (Agoda | Booking.com)
- 7 minutes’ walk from Karasuma Subway Line (Shijo Station Exit 2)
- 6 minutes’ walk from Hankyu Kyoto Line (Karasuma Station Exit 26)
- Offers Single, Double, Twin, Triple, and Quad rooms
- Serves Japanese-Western buffet breakfast in a Gion Festival-themed setting
5. HOTEL MYSTAYS Kyoto-Shijo (Agoda | Booking.com)
- 7 minutes’ walk from Karasuma Subway Line (Shijo Station Exit 2)
- 6 minutes’ walk from Hankyu Kyoto Line (Karasuma Station Exit 24)
- Located on lively Shijo Street, near Nishiki Market, Teramachi Kyogoku Shopping Street, and Nijo Castle
- 24/7 laundry facilities on 1st floor (4 washers and 4 dryers)
- Offers Standard Double, Twin, Triple, and Superior rooms
6. Richmond Hotel premier KYOTO SHIJO (Agoda | Booking.com)
- 7 minutes’ walk from Karasuma Subway Line (Shijo Station Exit 2)
- 6 minutes’ walk from Hankyu Kyoto Line (Karasuma Station Exit 24)
- Private bathrooms with separate toilet, bath, and sink areas
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Photo Credit:
Photos by PIXTA